Garment closure mechanism

ABSTRACT

A closing mechanism for garments including a torso portion and a bottom portion wherein the bottom portion extends from the posterior of the torso portion through the wearer&#39;s legs and removably attaches to the anterior portion. The bottom portion, or tail panel or lever, contains one or more patches of hook and loop members, and the anterior portion contains one or more corresponding patches of hook and loop members. A further embodiment of the invention, which may be used separately or in conjunction with the closing mechanism, constitutes a resilient portion upon the tail panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to garments which allow for easydressing and undressing, and more particularly to garments for infantsand toddlers having a tail portion which is removably attached from thefront portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typical toddler (hereinafter, “toddler” is used as incorporatinginfants, toddlers and children) wardrobes include garments which consistof a shirt portion, the front and back of which become attached in thetoddler's crotch with buttons or snaps. The undershirt version of thisstyle of garment is often referred to as a Onesie®. This type of design,whereby the front and back of the garment are connected in the crotch,is desirable for use with toddlers because it enables a parent(hereinafter, “parent” is used as incorporating parents and othercaretakers) to change the toddler's diaper without removing the upperportion of the garment. If this type of garment fits snugly, which isonly possible for a short period of time because toddlers grow rapidly,it can also aid in keeping the toddler's shirt down and diaper in place.

[0003] There are several other problems inherent with the existing artdue to the location and design of the closure, typically in the crotchregion with snaps. First, parents need to be able to open and closetheir toddlers' garments as quickly and safely as possible becausetoddlers, in general, do not enjoy having their garments and diaperschanged, and they often wriggle, kick and cry during the process. Theexisting art does not permit a parent to open and close their toddler'sgarment quickly and safely because snaps always require two hands toclose. Consequently, the toddler's torso cannot be held safely in placeduring the changing process. Manipulating snaps in the crotch of atoddler is even more difficult, more time consuming and less safe whenthe toddler wriggles and kicks its legs. The snaps used with theexisting art are often relatively small and, therefore, difficult tocontrol, especially for men with larger hands. Furthermore, due to thecircumstances a parent must face when fastening the relatively smallsnaps in the crotch as required with the existing art, misalignment ofthe snaps is common and the process must be repeated, frustrating bothparent and toddler.

[0004] As previously mentioned, another common problem with toddlers'clothing is the fact that they do not usually fit for a long period oftime, due to the rapid growth of children of this age. Since toddlers'clothing items are usually only suitable for a very short period oftime, parents incur continued and substantial expense in dressing theirchildren. Moreover, toddlers' garments are usually classified by the ageand/or weight of the child. These classifications are often extremelymisleading because children of this age vary significantly in both sizeand weight. The two aforementioned sizing problems taken together notonly result in significant expense to the parent, but also inunnecessary and frustrating dressing and undressing of the toddler.Commonly, a parent will dress their toddler only to learn that thegarment does not fit properly, forcing the parent to undress theirtoddler and try again.

[0005] To resolve these problems, it is desirable to furnish toddlers'clothing which is safe, fast and easy to apply. The ability to apply atoddler's garment with one hand increases the safety of the garmentenormously because it allows a parent to have a free hand to stabilizeor control the toddler during the outfit and/or diaper changing process.A faster and easier closing garment by nature also makes the garmentsafer, but additionally leads to a more content toddler, and, therefore,a more content parent.

[0006] It is also desirable to furnish garments that may be adjustableto last longer and/or to more closely and snugly fit an individualtoddler for a cleaner look, a more comfortable fit and more effectivemeans of holding a diaper in place. The invention herein provides for atoddler garment having a safe, quick, and easy closure system (enablingone-handed closure) which fastens above the narrowest portion betweenthe leg openings with a hook and loop closure. Various embodiments ofthe present invention accommodate the need for adjustability through thearrangement of the hooks and loops and/or through the use ofelastic-type material and/or fabric.

[0007] Hook and loop closures such as Velcro™ are well known inconjunction with articles of clothing, such as undergarments, jackets,shoes and gloves, in order to assist in dressing and removal ofclothing. For example, U.S. Pat. 4,597,110, issued to Smith et. al.,describes women's underpants with a hook and loop closure such asVelcro™ in the crotch area. This design, however, does not in any waycontemplate use in toddlers' garments and it also does not consider usein conjunction with clothes such as a shirt, top or dress for anyone,including adults. Moreover, Smith does not contemplate adjustability, anextremely useful feature with garments for toddlers, and one that isunnecessary with women's underpants.

[0008] One attempt was made to design an adjustable infant garmentthrough the use of string. Teasley U.S. Pat. 5,367,709 provides for anadjustable “romper” for infants that can be lengthened or shortened viaa pair of drawstrings which pass through the inner portion of the sidesof the torso and/or sleeves of the garment. The set of drawstringsoperates in a fashion similar to a pair of shoelaces. When tightened,the drawstrings cause the body portion of the romper to “bunch up”thereby reducing the effective length of the garment. Teasley considersincorporating a crotch panel connecting the front and back of thegarment with buttons, but Teasley does not contemplate using the panelto accomplish one-handed, safe, quick, easy or adjustable closure.Instead, Teasley uses an elaborate drawstring design on the sides of thetorso to facilitate adjustability, in contrast to the convenient hookand loop fastener and/or elastic designs discussed herein. In addition,because the Teasley romper bunches up at the sides, it is unsightly andprobably uncomfortable to wear. Furthermore, the use of drawstrings withtoddlers may make this design unsafe.

[0009] Conway U.S. Pat. 5,819,317 relates generally to an infant garmentwhich incorporates an absorbent material in the crotch area to reduceleaking. Essentially, it combines the concept of a T-shirt and a diaper.In discussing possible embodiments of the design, Conway mentions thatthe snaps located along the edges of the front and back of the garment,which connect between the legs at the narrowest portion of the crotch,may be replaced with hook and loop closures. However, Conway in no waycontemplates using such a device in order to facilitate adjustability orto provide a safe, quick and easy closure capable of being fastened withone hand.

[0010] In fact, Conway does not discuss safety, ease of closure oradjustability at all. This is not surprising because the intent of theConway invention was to provide protection to a child and parent from aleaking diaper, not to provide a quick, one-handed closing or adjustablegarment. It is further evident that Conway did not contemplate a 5one-handed closing or adjustable garment because the snaps in Conway areat the edges of the narrowest portion between the leg openings of thecrotch. Incorporating hook and loop closures at these edges of agarment, where they may contact the crotch and/or upper legs of atoddler, is even more unsafe, impractical and inconvenient than havingsnaps there as discussed previously.

[0011] Conway in no way addressed the problems related to manipulatingclosure in the narrowest portion of the crotch with a moving toddler, ingeneral, and Conway specifically fails to address the irritationaffiliated with imperfect alignment of closure in that area. Forexample, Velcro™ closures in the crotch, where the Velcro™ members areflush against six edges of the garment when the garment is in the openposition (as they are depicted flush in Smith), may be inappropriate fortoddlers because the hook portion of the Velcro™ can irritate thetoddler if not perfectly aligned, and a toddler can neither tell aparent that the hooks are irritating, nor can it readjust the closurehim or herself. Because toddlers commonly move during the changingprocess, perfect alignment of the hooks and loops is unlikely to occur.

[0012] In addition, various configurations of hook and loop closureswhich enhance adjustability, closure strength and optimal fit, are notsuggested by Conway. Conway also does not contemplate the use of elasticor fabric/material having an elastic quality to create an adjustablegarment. Having a longer lasting and more optimally fitting garment isextremely useful for a growing toddler.

[0013] The existing art is void of garments for infants, toddlers andchildren which provides for a safe, quick, easy and one-handed method offastening their garments by the use of one or more sets of hook and loopfasteners and/or elastic-like material/fabric in such a manner which mayallow for versatile adjustability and optimal fit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to garments that can safely,quickly and easily be closed and may also be adjusted, using hook andloop fasteners and/or a material or fabric having an elastic quality.Although the present invention may be used to accommodate a growingtoddler, the present invention may also find use in garments for olderchildren and adults. The present invention may also provide particularuse in bedridden adults and those who may be cared for by others, as ina nursing home, hospital or home care environment. The designs describedherein may be useful for any age or size individual, and thedescriptions and references to infants, toddlers and children herein arenot intended to limit the scope of the present invention defined by theclaims herein.

[0015] Specifically, the design herein proposes a one-piece garmentwhich covers at least the front and rear torso region and the crotchregion. The garment includes a tail panel that extends from the back ofthe garment between the legs and is fastened onto the anterior portionof the garment anywhere above the narrowest portion between the legopenings of the crotch of the garment in the closed position. Theinvention herein includes garments having multiple closure positionswhereby the adjustability of the garment is increased. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, the adjustability of the garment isalso increased when material or fabric with an elastic quality (i.e.,spandex) is used on at least a portion of the tail panel.

[0016] The garment closure mechanism described herein increases thegarment's safety because it enables one-handed closure, therebyproviding the parent with a free hand to assist in controlling orstabilizing the toddler during the diaper or clothes changing process.It is also a safer and more convenient means of closing a toddlergarment because the changing process can be accomplished in much lesstime than with the closures of the existing art. The present inventioneliminates the need to align tiny snaps with comparatively large handsin the crotch of a wriggling and kicking toddler. Since the changingprocess is often an arduous one for the toddler, and therefore also forthe parent, the ease and speed of the present invention leads to a morecontent toddler. A happier toddler results in a happier parent.

[0017] Furthermore, the present garment can be designed to fit a varietyof body types through adjustability which can be accomplished in varyingdegrees. The garment is ideal for a growing toddler as it may fitoptimally and comfortably for a much longer duration than conventionaltoddler clothing. A longer lasting garment is more cost effective, butalso more convenient for the parent because it eliminates the all toocommon routine of attempting to dress the toddler, only to discover thatthe garment is too big or too small. In such circumstances, a parentmust undress the toddler and commence the dressing process from thebeginning. Additionally, any degree of adjustability will allow for animproved garment fit, which is both more visually appealing and morecomfortable to the toddler.

[0018] The aforementioned garment consists of front, back and sidesections similar to those of a typical shirt such as a T-shirt,undershirt, tank top, long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, halter orturtleneck. The garment may also include a hood, a skirt (which ispermanently affixed or removably attached so that the garment becomes orappears to be a dress) or any other ornamentation affixed to the front,back, side, tail or crotch sections. Further, the back section of thegarment extends into a tail panel which incorporates a closing means.The tail panel passes between the toddler' legs whereby a section of theclosing means on the tail panel fastens onto the anterior portion of thegarment anywhere above the narrowest portion between the leg openings ofthe crotch.

[0019] More specifically, the aforementioned closing mechanism comprisesa hook and loop fastening system, such as Velcro™, one segment locatedon the anterior panel or front of the garment and the othercorresponding segment located on the tail panel,lever or strap extendingfrom the posterior or back of the garment. The segment of the closingmechanism on the anterior panel comprises one or more patches of hookand/or loop members material fixed non-moveably thereon and positionedin any predetermined geometrical or aesthetic pattern or set ofpatterns. The size of the patch or the use of multiple patches increasesadjustability, ease, speed and safety of closure in addition to closurestrength.

[0020] The segment of the closing mechanism which is located on the tailpanel comprises the complementary loop and/or hook members fixednon-moveably in one or more patches onto the tail panel extending fromthe posterior of the garment. When the fastening system is in the closedposition, the lowest point of closure of the present invention isanywhere above the narrowest point between the leg openings of thecrotch.

[0021] Various type and degrees of adjustability are possible in thepresent invention. The loop and/or hook members may also be arranged insome predetermined pattern or set of patterns sufficiently wide toaccommodate adjustability and can be larger in size or positioned insuch a way as to increase adjustability. Another way adjustability maybe accomplished is through the use of elastic or fabric/material with anelastic quality on the tail panel. The tail panel can be specificallydesigned as a lever arm or counter pulley when affixed to the anteriorpanel. This union permits adjustable tension creating optimal comfortand fit of the garment allowing for growth of the toddler.

[0022] One critical advantage of the closing mechanism described hereinis the creation of a single-handed mechanism to removably attach thefront and back of toddler garments, making the process a much safer one.It frees one hand which can be used to stabilize or control the toddlerduring the changing of their clothes or diaper. The closing mechanismsand their location described herein can also provide leverage to theparent performing the closing process when attaching the tail panel tothe anterior panel. Leverage eases and quickens the closure process andmakes the garment fit more snugly, and thus is more comfortable for thetoddler and more aesthetically pleasing for the parent.

[0023] The closing mechanism of the present invention is in sharpcontrast to the existing art, which generally requires the use of bothhands to pull together two separate parts which are joined in the crotchwith snaps, a difficult area to access. It does not require two parts tobe pulled together. Instead, to attach the tail panel to the anterior ofthe garment, only the tail panel itself must be pulled.

[0024] Furthermore, the various configurations and attachment positionsof the closure mechanism, examples of which are described herein,provide for adjustability of the garment. Consequently, a parent canalter the size of the garment to suit the needs of his or her toddler byengaging the hook and loop members in several different areas.Adjustability may also be provided by the use of elastic orfabric/material with elastic qualities (i.e., Lycra®, spandex, or otherblends which afford elasticity to the fabric) on the tail panel, afeature absent from existing garments which are typically made ofcotton. The adjustability created by the present invention enables thesame garment to fit the same toddler for a much longer period of timethan existing art, making the invention more practical and costeffective. A tail panel including an elastic quality acts as a lever armor counter pulley which creates tension and ensures optimal comfort andfit, another quality absent from the existing art. Adjustability alsohelps to overcome the problems created by the fact that the sizes onlabels for toddlers' clothes are often extremely misleading and lead tounnecessary changing.

[0025] The present invention contemplates the use of the hook and loopportions interchangeably. That is, the hook members may be on the frontpanel and the loop members on the tail panel, or alternatively, the loopmembers may be on the front panel and the hook members on the tailpanel. The alternative arrangements may prove useful in certainconfigurations of the closure system of the present invention, asdesired by a particular individual, to increase safety, comfort,adjustability and closure strength.

[0026] Additional features and variations of the invention relayedherein will be apparent from the following descriptions, drawings andclaims. While specific configurations are disclosed, the invention isnot limited to those examples and as such, variations may be made whichare within the spirit of the invention herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. I is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, depicting a garment having a tail strap in the openedposition.

[0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, depicting a garment with a tail strap in the opened positionand having multiple vertical patches.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, depicting a garment with a tail strap in the opened positionand having multiple horizontal patches.

[0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of thepresent invention, depicting a garment with a tail strap in the openedposition and having two patches at or near the bottom left and rightsides of the torso of the garment.

[0031]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of thepresent invention, depicting a garment incorporating the essentialfeatures of FIG. 4 with the essential features of FIG. 2.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, depicting a garment having a tail strap in the openedposition, where the tail strap incorporates a fabric having elasticproperties.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, depicting a dress incorporating the closure mechanism of thepresent invention having a tail strap in the closed position.

[0034]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of thepresent invention, depicting a garment having a turtle-neck, longsleeves, shoulder openings and the closure mechanism of the presentinvention.

[0035]FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the present invention with theclosing mechanism in the closed position having long sleeves, shoulderopenings and an anterior opening utilizing snaps.

[0036]FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the present invention comprising apair of corresponding hook and loop patches and an anterior openingutilizing a longitudinal hook and loop strip.

[0037]FIG. 9A depicts a further embodiment of the present inventioncomprising a pair of corresponding hook and loop patches and analternative anterior opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Now turning to the details of the various configurationscontemplated by the design relayed herein, FIG. 1 shows a preferredembodiment of the present invention in the open position. FIG. 1 depictsa garment 15 comprising a tail strap, lever or panel 14 having a patchof hook or loop members 13 fixed thereon. The lower anterior torsoportion of garment 15 has a corresponding patch of hook and loop members10 fixed anywhere above the narrowest portion between the leg openingsof the crotch when the garment is in the closed position. The loweranterior portion of the garment depicted in FIG. 1 is shaped such thanwhen worn by the toddler, it extends partially between their legs.However, the shape of the lower abdomen portion may also be of astandard T-shirt, for example. Additionally, the depicted shape of patch10, is merely exemplary and can specifically be increased or decreasedin size, i.e., cover a larger or smaller portion of the garment, to varyadjustability, safety, strength and ease of closure. Furthermore, thispatch may be a completely different shape such as a circle, rectangle,square, triangle, flower, etc.

[0039] Patch 10 is affixed somewhere above the narrowest portion betweenthe leg openings in the crotch of garment 15. Preferably, the sides ofpatch 10 are not in direct contact with the edges of the leg openings ofthe garment 15 to prevent the toddler's skin from being scratched and/orirritated by the edges. If patch 10 does reach the edges of the legopenings, then patch 13 on the tail panel preferably will not extend asshown to contact the side edges of the tail panel or its horizontallength will be less than that of patch 13. However, even in thepreferred position, patch 10 may contact the bottom edge of the anteriorof the garment and patch 13 may contact the bottom edge (when in theopen position) of tail panel 14. These portions generally would notcontact the skin as a diaper or underpants are worn.

[0040] A corresponding patch 13 consisting of Velcro™ closure members(loops or hooks) is positioned on the inside of tail panel 14 whichextends from the posterior 18 of the garment. Patch 13 is positionedupon tail panel 14 such that it may be wrapped between the legs of thetoddler and removably connected to patch 10. The hook and loop membersof patch 13 may also be enlarged to allow for further adjustability.Thus, many alternative arrangements exist. Patches 10 and 13 may be ofsimilar size such that they correspond when connected. Patch 10 may belarger than patch 13, so that when patch 13 is removably fastened topatch 10, unconnected Velcro™ members remain on patch 10. Alternatively,patch 13 may be larger than patch 10, so that a portion of the Velcro™members of patch 13 are removably fastened to patch 10, while the restremain unconnected. In the last configuration, it is preferred that thetoddler's skin is not exposed, i.e., is covered by a diaper, to preventirritation from the unconnected members of patch 13, especially if theyare of the hook nature.

[0041] In order to engage the closing mechanism, it is necessary to pulltail panel 14 between the legs of the toddler, such that patch 13 comesinto contact with patch 10. These two members being attached creates twoleg openings 16 and 17 where the toddler' legs will extend from thegarment. The length of the garment is adjusted by changing the height atwhich patch 10 and patch 13 are engaged. The lining 19 of the legopenings 16 and 17 may optionally be lined with an elastic material toimprove comfort, fit and to assist in keeping the garment in place onthe toddler. Fabric or material with an elastic quality may be used toline the leg openings of any of the embodiments of the invention.Furthermore, at least a portion of the tail strap or panel 14 of thegarment may be made out of elastic or some other flexible material, sothat tail strap 14 will act as a lever arm or counter pulley whenaffixed to patch 10. (See FIG. 5). This connection permits adjustabletension creating optimal comfort and fit of the garment.

[0042]FIG. 2 depicts another possible embodiment of the presentinvention using multiple patches. In this configuration thesize-adjustment mechanism consists of two vertically or longitudinallyextending parallel patches 20 and 21 fixed on the anterior of thegarment 29 in conjunction with a complementary tail patch 23 fixed onthe tail panel or strap 24 extending from the posterior of the garment28. Alternatively, multiple patches may be substituted for patch 23positioned in line with vertical patches 20 and 21. (See FIGS. 9 and9A). These two members being attached creates two leg openings 26 and 27where the toddler' legs will extend from the garment.

[0043] The length of the garment is adjusted by changing the height atwhich patch 23 on tail panel 24 is removably attached to vertical orlongitudinal patches 20 and 21. For example, to accommodate a smallerchild, the tail patch 23 may be connected to the correspondinglongitudinal patches 20 and 21 at positions 22, thereby reducing thesize of leg openings 26 and 27 and reducing the functional height ofgarment 29 from the head or neck opening to the crotch. Conversely, fora larger child, the tail patch 23 may be connected lower on thelongitudinal patches 20 and 21 at positions 25 in order to effectivelyincrease the size of leg openings 26 and 27, lengthening the functionalheight of the garment and accommodating a larger toddler.

[0044] The arrangements for patches 20 and 21 may be varied. First,there may be more than two patches. For example, one or more patches orstrips may be fixed between patches 20 and 21. Furthermore, patches 20and 21 may be provided toward the sides of garment 29. In thisconfiguration, the extremity of tail panel 24 must be wide enough toaccommodate the distance between patches 20 and 21, but there may be twopatches on tail panel or lever 24 instead of a single tail patch 23 (seeFIGS. 9 and 9A). These two patches on tail panel 24 will correspond andbe complimentary to patches 20 and 21. Also, vertical patches 20 and 21need not be parallel to each other nor straight. For example, they maybe trapezoidally opposed, or they may have a zig-zig or arcuate shape.Additionally, the patches 20 and 21 may be shortened or lengthenedlongitudinally for decreased or increased adjustability and/or aestheticor decorative purposes.

[0045] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is described inFIG. 3. In this arrangement, the size-adjustment mechanism encompasses atail patch 33 and a series of anterior panel patches 30, 31 and 32. Inthis embodiment, the functional length of this garment is determined bywhich patch, 30, 31 or 32, the tail patch 33 is fastened to. Toaccommodate a smaller toddler, the tail patch 33 would be fixed to patch30, reducing the longitudinal length of garment 39 in the closedposition and minimizing the size of the leg openings. Conversely, toaccommodate a larger toddler, the tail patch 33 would be fixed to patch32, increasing the longitudinal length of garment 39 in the closedposition and maximizing the size of the leg openings.

[0046] The arrangement of the horizontal or lateral patches 30, 31 and32 in this configuration is being used to illustrate the generalconcepts and principles of this design. Nothing in this descriptionshould be construed to limit the scope of this invention to a specificnumber, shape, arrangement or configuration. Note that there are severalalternate configurations which, although may differ slightly in form orappearance, are within the scope of the invention relayed herein. Forexample, there may be less than or more than 3 patches on the anteriorof the garment.

[0047] The additional advantages of the embodiments relayed in FIG. 2and FIG. 3 are that they provide for substantial adjustability.Furthermore, these embodiments utilize much less hook and loop membermaterial as compared to a single, larger patch on the anterior panel,which may be enlarged to a point at which the entire bottom portion ofthe anterior panel contains Velcro™. Therefore, they are less expensiveto produce. Also, various patterns and configurations of the hook and/orloop members may be used to provide different designs such as dots,stripes, shapes, swirls, cartoon characters, animals, or animatedscenes, for example.

[0048] Another form of the present design is described in FIG. 4. Thedesign in FIG. 4 consists of the same general one-piece garment 40, witha tail lever or strap 47 extending from the posterior 41 of the garment.In this embodiment, the posterior of tail panel 47 comprises twolaterally extending flaps containing thereon patches 46 and 48 (depictedin FIG. 4 with dashed lines to represent that the patches are on theposterior of tail panel 47 when viewed in the open position). Thisdesign further comprises flaps 42 and 43 connected at or near the sidesof the garment at or near the juncture of posterior 41 and the anteriorpanel. The height of these flaps relative to the leg openings may varydepending on the length of tail strap 47. Preferably, the flaps are ator near leg openings 44 and 45. Each flap 42 and 43 contains a patch ofVelcro™ that encompasses all or a portion of the flap. This garment isfastened by pulling tail panel 47 between the toddler's legs, whereuponthe two patches on flaps 42 and 43 are fastened to the correspondingtail patches 46 and 48 positioned on the posterior of tail panel 47.

[0049] The length and fit of this garment is altered by changing theposition of the flaps 42 and 43 with respect to the folded-over tailstrap 47. Again, the description of this figure is meant only to conveythe principles of the current invention and is not meant to limit itsapplication to the specific designs exemplified herein.

[0050] For example, FIG. 4A depicts a further embodiment of the presentinvention similar to that depicted in FIG. 4 whereby the closuremechanism provides additional security. FIG. 4A incorporates the closingmechanism described above with reference to FIG. 4, using patches onflaps 42 and 43 which connect to flaps 46 and 48 on tail panel 47. Assuch, the different configurations, sizes and positions described aboveare incorporated with respect to this embodiment. For further securityand ease of closure, the anterior side of tail panel 47 also includespatches 49 and 50. These patches 49 and 50 correspond to patches 51 and52 on the anterior panel of garment 40. Thus, tail panel 47 includespatch 51 and 52 on the anterior, and patches 46 and 48 on the posterior.Here, when closing means 47 is pulled through the toddler's legs,patches 49 and 50 attach to patches 51 and 52, and then flaps 42 and 43may be affixed to corresponding patches 46 and 48. For even more closurestrength, the anterior of tail panel 47 can have a third patch betweenpatches 49 and 50 that connects to a patch on the anterior of thegarment 40 between patches 51 and 52.

[0051] Adjustability and closure strength may also be provided by addingelasticity and resilience to the tail panel or lever in the garmentsdescribed herein. This feature may be used in conjunction with the otherembodiments of the invention as shown in FIG. 5, or separately as inFIG. 5A. FIG. 5 depicts a garment 59 incorporating the closure mechanismdescribed herein, and further incorporates a fabric having elasticproperties. Tail panel or strap 54 is shown having a stretch panel 51formed of elastic, spandex, Lycra® or any other fabric having elasticproperties. Stretch panel 51 is attached at locations 52 and 53 bystitches or other permanent affixation means. The size of stretch panel51 is determined by the distance between affixation positions 52 and 53,and variations in size and elasticity strength are contemplated fordegrees of adjustability and leverage.

[0052]FIG. 5A depicts a garment 59 a including the stretch panel 51 aand including corresponding groups of snaps 55 a and 56 a. These snapsmay be used in place of the Velcro™ closures of the alternativeembodiments of the present invention.

[0053] It should be further noted that all the configurations relayedherein that relate to one-piece toddler' garments should not beconstrued as to negate the possibility that this design contemplatessleeves of different lengths, dresses, hoods, elastic or otherornamentation from being affixed on said garment. Elastic or anelastic-quality material may be included around a portion or all of theleg openings as previously discussed. Further, the anterior, posteriorand/or shoulder/neck area of the garment as depicted herein may containopenings for ease in dressing/undressing, decorative purposes or forcomfort. These openings may close by way of any known means, includingVelcro™, snaps, buttons, zippers, etc. Openings provided on the anteriorand/or posterior of the garment may extend partially from the necktoward the bottom of the torso or may extend fully from the neck to theleg openings or crotch. Various examples of these enhancements aredepicted and described below with reference to FIGS. 6 through 9A.

[0054]FIG. 6 depicts a garment 69 incorporating any of the closuremechanisms in the closed position further comprising a skirt 61 attachedpermanently or removably to the mid-section such that the garmentresembles a dress. This embodiment is further depicted as including longsleeves and decorative frills at the neck opening 63 and cuffs 62. Ofcourse, the garment including a skirt may have short sleeves or nosleeves, and may or may not include the frills as depicted.

[0055]FIG. 7 depicts a garment 79 in the closed position including theclosing mechanism of the present invention, long sleeves, a turtle-neck74, and shoulder openings 76 and 77. Shoulder openings 76 and 77 aredepicted as differing mainly for exemplary purposes. Shoulder opening 76is depicted as a series of snaps and shoulder opening 77 is depicted asa pair of cross-straps having Velcro™ and corresponding Velcro™ portionsat or near the neck and upper torso/shoulder area of the garment. Thesetypes of shoulder openings are exemplary in nature. There may be ashoulder opening on only one side of the garment, and if there are two,they may match one another (i.e., snaps on both sides or cross-straps onboth sides) or differ. Other means may be used in the shoulder openingssuch as a zipper extending from the neck region to the shoulder or aVelcro™ strip extending laterally from the neck to the shoulder. (SeeFIG. 8). Also, the garment including shoulder openings may also includeopenings down the front of the garment from the neck/head opening towardor to the leg opening or crotch.

[0056] A garment utilizing the closure mechanisms of the presentinvention may incorporate openings in the anterior of the torso regionas shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 9A. For example, FIG. 8 shows a garment 89with the closure mechanism removably attached and additional features.Garment 89 includes a series of snaps 81 generally in a line from thecenter of the anterior neck/head opening to the bottom of the torso.These snaps can also extend through the anterior portion of the garment.Additionally, shoulder openings 83 are provided, each of which comprisea pair of corresponding hook and loop closure strips extending from theside of the neck opening to the top of the shoulder.

[0057]FIG. 9 depicts a garment 99 comprising the closure mechanism ofthe present invention and a longitudinal or vertical anterior opening.The anterior opening is accomplished with corresponding hook and loopstrips 95 and 96, which extend from the neck opening through the lowertorso of garment 99. FIG. 9 shows strip 95 (represented by a dashedline) as under strip 96. FIG. 9A also depicts a garment 99 including ananterior opening accomplished by a series of hook and loop cross-straps98 that attach to corresponding patches 97. The anterior opening isshown as extending from the neck opening to a point above the edge ofthe anterior of garment 99, but, of course, they could be extended tothe edge. The closure mechanisms in both FIGS. 9 and 9A are accomplishedwith corresponding pairs of patches 91 and 93. As with the previouslydescribed examples, these features may be used separately or inconjunction with any of the aforementioned closure mechanisms of thepresent invention (i.e., elastic patch) or in conjunction with othertypes of ornamentation or garment styles.

[0058] While the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

I Claim:
 1. A garment comprising: a torso section for covering at leastthe anterior and posterior of a human torso; a tail panel for coveringat least the crotch region of a human; a first attachable portioncomprising at least one member of a loop and hook fastening pairmechanically cooperating with said torso section; and a secondattachable portion comprising at least one corresponding member of aloop and hook fastening pair mechanically cooperating with said tailpanel; whereby said tail panel extends from said torso section and saidsecond attachable portion of said tail panel removably attaches to saidfirst attachable portion of said torso section.
 2. A garment as in claim1, wherein said tail panel extends from said torso section generallyabout the posterior of a human torso; said tail panel comprising anoutward facing and inward facing portion; said second attachable portionmechanically cooperating with said inward facing portion of said tailpanel; and said first attachable portion mechanically cooperating withsaid torso section generally about the anterior of a human torso.
 3. Agarment as in claim 2 wherein said first attachable portion comprises atleast one strip of members of a loop and hook fastening pair traversinga substantially longitudinal direction upon said torso section.
 4. Agarment as in claim 3 wherein said second attachable portion comprisesat least one patch of corresponding members of a loop and hook fasteningpair traversing in a substantially longitudinal direction upon saidinward facing portion of said tail panel.
 5. A garment as in claim 4wherein said second attachable portion corresponds in size, shape andorientation to said strip.
 6. A garment as in claim 4 wherein said firstattachable portion comprises at least one strip of members of a loop andhook fastening pair traversing a substantially lateral direction uponsaid torso section.
 7. A garment as in claim 6 wherein said secondattachable portion comprises least one patch of corresponding members ofa loop and hook fastening pair traversing in a substantially lateraldirection upon said inward facing portion of said tail panel.
 8. Agarment as in claim 7 wherein said second attachable portion correspondsin size, shape and orientation to said strip.
 9. A garment as in claim1, wherein said first attachable portion comprises a plurality ofmembers of a loop and hook fastening pair arranged such that at leastone geometric shape is defined, said geometric shapes selected from thegroup consisting of polygons, squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, andtriangles.
 10. A garment as in claim 9, wherein said second attachableportion comprises a plurality of corresponding members of a loop andhook fastening pair arranged such that at least one shape is definedwhich corresponds to the geometric shape defined by said firstattachable portion.
 11. A garment as in claim 1, wherein said firstattachable portion comprises a plurality of members of a loop and hookfastening pair arranged such that at least one shape is defined, saidshapes selected from the group consisting of flowers, animals, humanfigures, characters, letters, words, numerals and logos.
 12. A garmentas in claim 11, wherein said second attachable portion comprises aplurality of corresponding members of a loop and hook fastening pairarranged such that at least one shape is defined which corresponds tothe shape defined by said first attachable portion.
 13. A garment as inclaim 1, wherein said tail panel comprises a resilient material.
 14. Agarment as in claim 13, wherein said resilient material is selected fromthe group consisting of spandex, Lycra® and elastic.
 15. A garment as inclaim 1, wherein said tail panel further has attachable portionscomprising at least one member of a loop and hook fastening pairmechanically cooperating with said outward facing portion of said tailpanel; and wherein said torso section further has at least one flapmember mechanically cooperating with said torso section, said flapmembers having an exposed side and attachable side, said attachable sidemechanically cooperating with at least one corresponding member of aloop and hook fastening pair.
 16. A garment as in claim 1, wherein saidtorso section further comprises a dress.
 17. A garment comprising: atorso section for covering at least the anterior and posterior of ahuman torso; a tail panel for covering at least the crotch region of ahuman; wherein said tail panel comprises a resilient material.
 18. Agarment as in claim 17, wherein said resilient material is selected fromthe group consisting of spandex, Lycra® and elastic.